FAQ

Kokedama are ornamental plant arrangements following traditional Japanese aesthetics of wabi-sabi which describes appreciating beauty that is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete in nature. Characteristics of wabi-sabi aesthetics and principles include asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, economy, austerity, modesty, intimacy, and the appreciation of both natural objects and the forces of nature. The Kokedama made by Studio YU combines the nearai bonsai and kusamono planting styles that originated in Japan. Nearai bonsai means planting without a pot. Kusamono refers to a planting that is displayed to be the center of attention. Kokedama is a plant in a moss-covered, substrate-filled, sphere-like shape. Studio YU uses a specially formated substrate mix best suited for each plant type that might include akadama granular clay, peat, shredded cedarwood, perlite, and vermiculite. It has taken Studio YU years of trials and practice under the tutulage of Japanese kokedama masters to model this art form.

Kokedama are typically displayed in a dish, or on a plate, or flat objects like stone or wood. They may also be suspended in the air from a sturdy line or sling attached to a ceiling, curtain rod, or a shelf and near appropriate lighting. You may get as creative as you like. We've made custom stands from bamboo, chopsticks and even pencils.

Our kokedama descriptions will state whether a display piece is included in the price. Assume that they are not included. We intend to offer display pieces for sale as soon as the Covid-19 pandemic gets better, thus enabling us to source such products.

Obviously, kokedama will get lighter in weight as they dry out and much heavier when they are watered. You will need to immerse the kokedama ball into a bowl or container that has enough water to cover about half the kokedama ball. It shouldn't be floating and bobbing around as it couild tilt over and damage the plant. Some plants shouldn't have the leaves get wet (e.g. African Violet). Some plants (e.g. ferns) shouldn't be touched unless you're wearing gloves as oils from your skin could damage them. You should keep watch on the kokedama being soaked and only leave it in water for 10-15 minutes. Gently squeeze out any excess water from the moss ball. Most kokedama need to be watered often (every second day or perhaps longer) but this depends on your house temperature and humidity. Also, most kodedama shouldn't dry out completely except for some succulents. We recommend that you use a digital kitchen scale and note the kokedama weight after watering and then again and again as it gets drier in coming days. Before long, you'll understand what works for your kokedama.

Kokedama plants will eventually outgrow their moss balls just like plants in a pot will eventually need to be repotted into a larger size. Eventually, our kokedama may need to be remade into a larger kokedama ball and this is a service Studio YU can perform for you for a fee. Alternatively, you may carefully deconstruct the moss ball and put the plant into a suitable pot size. We select plants that are slow growers or will do well for a long time in their moss ball because they have a shallow root system or like to be root bound. You can tell your kokedama moss ball is in need of a new size if roots puncture through it excessively. For aroids, these roots will become aerial roots and many people like the look of them cascading out of the ball. When this occurs, the aerial roots will need to be misted frequently until it is re-balled.

Pests are commonly brought into homes by clinging on clothing, shoes, pet fur, or groceries. Bananas from the grocery store are frequent offenders for bringing in mealybugs. Lettuce and other leafy greens from the grocery store frequently house thrips. Avoid placing groceries near your houseplants. Pests are a natural occurrence when having plants and you should not stress out too much. Take precautions and treat as necessary. It is important to inspect your plants often for watering and pest control. If you need any pest help, send us an email or chat and we will be happy to assist. Studio YU takes extreme care to ensure you purchase a pest and disease-free kokedama. You should still quarantine every plant that comes into your house for at least two weeks. Any nursery stock we acquire is placed in quarantine for at least two weeks and inspected daily for potential issues. We examine the soil in nursery plants and will repot the plants in our own substrate mixes as needed. Many nurseries take potting short cuts that we correct. Plant roots are washed and treated. Foliage is also treated with plant and environment safe products like Castille Soap and Neem Oil. Once a kokedama is made, we monitor the plant for two or more weeks before allowing it to be sold. This is to help ensure there are no pests or disease and that the plant is well established for a watering routine.